H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture

H04N1/00132—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering

H04N1/00185—Image output

H04N1/00196—Creation of a photo-montage, e.g. photoalbum

Abstract

A system for organizing images obtained from at least one image
retaining device (12) having a unique ID. The system includes a computer having
database for storing digital images and a management section for managing
customer orders and said stored digital images. The management section is
capable of receiving and storing said unique ID of the at least one image retaining
device (12) and registering the image retaining device to a customer. The
computer automatically associating a particular goods and/or services to images
obtained from the at least one image retaining device.

Description

[0001]

This invention relates to the field of image capture, and in
particular to a system and method for organizing images obtained from a plurality
of image retaining and/or capturing devices.

[0002]

Photographic services including image digitization, digital image
storage and network access to digital image files and distribution of digital image
files are currently provided by network photoservice providers such as the
KODAK PhotoNet™ Online service available on the Internet at
http://kodak.photonet.com. To use this system, the photographer checks a box on
a photoprocessing envelope indicating she would like to receive this service. The
photofinisher processes the film, scans the film to produce digital images, and
uploads the digital images to the network photoservice provider via an FTP (file
transfer protocol) site through an Internet server. The network photoservice
provider receives the digital images and stores them as image files in a mass
storage device such as a Sun ultra 250 mass storage hard drive connected to an
internet server.

[0003]

The network photoservice provider assigns the image file a roll ID
number, and an OwnerKey which functions as a location indicator and password
so that the photographer can access the image file over the Internet, and sends the
roll ID number and OwnerKey back to the photofinisher. The photofinisher prints
a receipt listing the roll ID number, and an OwnerKey and returns the receipt
along with the printed photographs to the photographer.

[0004]

The photographer then accesses the network photoservice provider
from an Internet capable personal computer, supplying the network photoservice
provider with her e-mail address, personal password, roll ID number and
OwnerKey. The network photoservice provider then allows access to the stored
images, from which photographer can download the images to the personal
computer, authorize other people's access to the digital images by providing their
e-mail addresses to the network photoservice provider, order reprints, specialty
products, digitally manipulate images, and perform other functions. It will be
readily appreciated that the entry of so many codes and addresses complicates the
use of the services provided by the network photoservice provider. In addition
there is no means for the photographer to check the processing status until the
receipt with the roll ID, and an OwnerKey is received.

[0005]

Additionally, a photographer may choose another digitization
service such as the Kodak PictureCD™ product which provides pictures in digital
form on a Compact Disc (CD). In this service, a single roll of film is processed,
scanned and written to the PictureCD™. While other software is distributed on the
PictureCD™, storing only the equivalent of a single roll of film on a CD doesn't
begin to approach the capacity limits of this media.

[0006]

There is a need for a simple method which allows a user to digitize
many rolls of film over an extended period of time and have them automatically
written to a single digital image storage device, such as a CD.

[0007]

Furthermore, there is a need for such a system to interact with the
user to eliminate pictures from the collection that were not desirable to keep. This
need implies the a need for the storage of digitized pictures in a database related to
a specifically identified user for a period of time, quantity of pictures, or amount
of available credit that is monitored by the system.

[0008]

In a traditional photofinishing operation, a customer brings an
exposed undeveloped roll of film or ONE-Time-Use camera to a retail
establishment for processing and printing. Typically, a single roll of film or ONE-Time-Use
camera is provided for processing and printing. Even when more than
one roll is provided for developing and printing they are first segregated into
photoprocessing envelopes. There is no means for automatically coordinating
images from one roll of film with that of another.

[0009]

Another desirable feature of such a system according to the present
invention is the ability to organize the digitized images into an organizational
structure in part defined by non-picture data known as meta data which is
associated with each individual picture.

[0010]

Thus, there is a need to provide a method and system for organizing
image orders and/or images for a particular customer. The present invention
provides an improved method and system whereby images can be automatically
and easily organized in accordance with pre-set parameters.

[0011]

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages used in
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of
the preferred embodiment used in the invention illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.

[0012]

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method for organizing a plurality of images obtained from a defined
source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing digital images;

providing at least one image to the database; and

automatically providing a product with respect to the at least one
image after reaching a predetermined criteria.

[0013]

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a system for organizing a plurality of images obtained from at least one
image retaining device each having a unique ID, comprising:
a computer having database for storing digital images and a
management section for managing customer orders and the stored digital images,
the management section capable of receiving and storing the unique ID and
registering the at least one image retaining device to a customer, the computer
associating a particular goods and/or services to images obtained from the at least
one image retaining device.

[0014]

In accordance. with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for organizing images obtained from a plurality of discrete
image retaining devices, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of discrete image retaining devices, each
having a unique ID;

obtaining the ID from each of the image retaining devices;

providing a first group of the image retaining devices;

forwarding the ID for each of the image retaining devices in the
group to database of a network photoservice provider for storage.

[0015]

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a system for organizing images obtained from a group of a
plurality discrete image retaining devices, each image retaining device having a
unique ID, comprising:
a computer having database for storing digital images and a
management section for managing customer orders and the stored digital images,
the management section capable of receiving and storing the unique ID of the
group of the plurality of image retaining devices and registering the group to a
customer, the computer associating a particular goods and/or services to images
obtained from the group of plurality of image retaining devices.

[0016]

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided method for organizing a plurality of images obtained from an image
source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing of digital images;

providing a plurality of discrete image retaining devices in a
package, each image retaining device having a unique ID;

forwarding the unique ID of the plurality of image retaining devices
to a database at a network photoservice provider for storage;

allowing access to the database to a customer so as to allow
registration of the plurality of image retaining devices to the customer.

[0017]

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for organizing images obtained from a plurality of discrete
image retaining devices, each image retaining device have an unique ID,
comprising the steps of:

obtaining the ID of a plurality of the image retaining devices and
forwarding the ID to a database at network photoservice provider;

accessing the database by a customer and registering at least one of
the image retaining devices to the customer, and

the customer associating the providing of a goods or service to
images obtained from the at least one image retaining device.

[0018]

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method for organizing a plurality of images obtained from an image
source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing of digital images;

providing a plurality of discrete image retaining devices in a
package, each image retaining device having an unique ID, the package having a
unique package ID;

forwarding the unique ID of the plurality of image retaining devices
and the package ID to a database at a network photoservice provider for storage;

allowing access to the database to a customer so as to allow
registration of the package ID so that the plurality of image retaining devices are
automatically registered to the customer.

[0019]

In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method for organizing a plurality of images obtained from a plurality strips of
photographic film, each of the plurality of strips of film being provided in a
discrete film cartridge, each of the plurality of strips photographic film having an
unique ID recorded thereon, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of the film cartridges in a single package, the
package having an unique package ID;

forwarding the unique ID for the plurality of strips of photographic
film and package ID to a database at network photoservice provider for storage;
and

allowing access to the database to a customer so as to allow
registration of the package ID so that the plurality of strips of photographic film
are automatically registered to the customer.

[0020]

In still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided
a system for organizing a plurality of images obtained from a plurality strips of
photographic film, each of the plurality of strips of film being provided in a
discrete film cartridge, each of the plurality of strips photographic film having an
unique ID recorded thereon, comprising:
a computer having database for storing digital images and a
management section for managing customer orders and the stored digital images,
the management section capable of receiving and storing the unique ID of the
group of the plurality strips of photographic film and registering the plurality strips
of photographic film to a customer using the unique ID.

[0021]

In still anther aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method for organizing images obtained from a at least one image retaining
devices, comprising the steps of:

providing at least one image retaining devices having a unique ID;

obtaining the ID from each of the at least one image retaining
device; and

forwarding the ID for the at least one image retaining to a network
photoservice provider for storage.

[0022]

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments used in the
invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in
which:

Fig. 1 is schematic diagram of a kit made in accordance with the
present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of system made in accordance with
the present invention;

Fig. 3a is a diagram of registration screen on a display device of a
computer that is used in the system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3b is a diagram of a verification screen on a display device of a
computer that is used in the system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3c is a diagram of an order screen on a display device of a
computer that is used in the system of Fig. 2;

Fig 3d is a diagram of an order confirmation/verification screen on
a display device of a computer used in the system of Fig.2;

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of another system made in
accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of yet another system made in
accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of still another system made in
accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another system made in
accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of yet another system made in
accordance with the present invention;

Figs. 9a-9b illustrate a registration card to be used in the system of
Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a package containing a plurality of image
retaining devices to be used in the system of Fig. 8

Fig. 11a is a plan view of a package for holding image retaining
devices made in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 11b is an enlarged partial view of the package of Fig. 11a
illustrating how the individual image retaining device may be held therein.

[0023]

Referring to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a retail kit 10 made in
accordance with the present invention, which can be used for organizing images
for a customer. In particular, the kit 10 comprises an image retaining device 12
upon which images may be captured. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the
image retaining device 12 comprises a film cartridge 14 containing a strip of
photographic film 16 therein upon which images can be captured. The film
cartridge 14 is provided with a unique cartridge ID 17 which in the embodiment
illustrated is provided in machine readable and human readable form. Once the
images have been captured on film 16, the film 16 can be then sent to a
photofinisher 68 where the film 16 is developed and the developed images are
digitally scanned and sent to an appropriate output device such as a printer for
printing of hard copy prints. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the digitally
captured images may be sent to an image database or storage bank as discussed
later herein. The kit 10 further includes registration card 18 which can be used for
identifying the purchasing customer. The registration card 18 can also be used to
identify the goods and/or service to be provided as a result of the purchase of kit
10. In the particular embodiment illustrated the registration card 18 includes a
universal resource locator (URL) 20 and a registration number 22 which is written
both in machine readable language and human readable language. The URL 20 is
the internet address that is to be used for registration of the customer with respect
to the goods and/or service to be provided as result of the purchase of kit 10. A
magnetic strip 23 is also provided on card 18 which can also be read to provide
information recorded thereon by an appropriate magnetic strip reader 19 such as
disclosed in Fig. 4 discussed later herein. The recorded information can include
information relating the goods and/or services purchased and/or any other
information provided therewith that may be useful to the customer or other parties
involved in providing the related goods and/ or services.

[0024]

The kit 10 in the particular embodiment illustrated is also provided
with an image storage device 24 upon which images may be digitally stored. In
the particular embodiment illustrated the image storage device 24 is a compact
disk (CD) which is capable of storing a plurality of digital images. The image
storage device 24 may be provided with a label 26 which can include all or some
of the information provided on registration card 18 and/or the related goods and/or
services to be provided. In the particular embodiment illustrated the label 26 is
provided with registration number 22 provided on registration card 18. The CD is
provided with a computer software program which when loaded on a computer
will allow a user to communicate to a network photoservice provider 34 and also
allow a customer to register the image retaining device 12 to the customer. The
software may also allow the customer to do other tasks with the network
photoservice provider 34. For example, but not limited to, the manipulation
and/or sorting of digital images stored at the network photoservice provider 34, the
uploading of images, the downloading of images, the ordering of goods and/ or
services and registration of additional image retaining devices 12 to the customer.

[0025]

The image storage device 24, in the embodiment illustrated is
capable of providing long term storage of the images that have been captured and
stored on image retaining device 12. In this regard, the registration card 18 can
also be used in identifying additional images obtained from other image retaining
devices 12 that are to be associated and stored on image storage device 24.

[0026]

Referring to Fig. 2 there is illustrated a block diagram showing an
image organizing and automatic product delivery network system 28 that may be
used for registering of kit 10 so that the appropriate goods and/or services will be
automatically provided to the customer. In particular, the network system 28
comprises a computer 30 which can be linked to an internet service provider 32
which allows the computer 30 to be connected to a network photoservice provider
34 through the Internet 36. The computer 30 includes a display device 31 for
displaying of images. In the embodiment illustrated display device 31 is a CRT,
however, display device 31 may comprise any appropriate display device. In the
particular embodiment illustrated the computer 30 is personal computer owned by
the customer, however the present invention is not so limited. The computer 30
may comprise a kiosk and/or other computer that is available to the customer
which can be connected to the network photoservice provider 34 through Internet
36 or other communication system.

[0027]

The network photoservice provider 34 has a server 35 which is
capable of communicating using the Internet 36 and which is connected to a
computer 40. Computer 40 includes an image storage database 42 where customer
images are stored and a management section 43 for managing customer orders and
keeping track of the stored images.

[0028]

The kit 10 may be sold as part of a particular promotion for
providing a particular goods and/or service services upon reaching a
predetermined criteria. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the kit 10 is sold
with a promotion for providing an image storage product containing a plurality of
images taken over a pre-selected period of time from a plurality rolls (strips) of
photographic film 16. For example, a CD will be provided of a plurality of images
taken over a defined number of different rolls of photographic film and/or which
have been taken over the course of a single year. The cost of the goods and/or
service may be prepaid with the cost of the kit 10. In system 28 the customer
would first register for the particular goods and/or service sold as part of the kit
10. This is accomplished by the customer accessing the URL 20 provided on
registration card 18 using computer 30 via the Internet 36. Once the customer is
connected to network photoservice provider 34 associated with the URL 20. The
network photoservice provider 34 will cause a registration screen 37 to be
displayed on display device 31 of computer 30 as illustrated in Fig. 3a. As can be
seen, the registration screen 37 will have various places for providing of
appropriate information needed by the network photoservice provider 34. In
particular, the registration screen 37 includes a section 48 for entry of the customer
name, a section 49 for entry of the customer address, a section 50 for entry of the
customer phone number, a section 52 for entry of the e-mail address for the
customer, and a section 54 for entry of registration number 22. In the particular
embodiment illustrated since this registration number is associated with kit 10, it
is possible that the film cartridge ID 17 can be automatically associated with
registration number 22. For example, in preparation and selling of the kit 10, the
registration number 22 may already have been associated with the film ID and
forwarded on to the network photoservice provider 34 by the packager of kit 10,
which may be for example the manufacturer of one of the components of the kit
10 or by the retailer of the kit 10. However, in cases where the registration
number 22 has not been pre-stored at the network photoservice provider 34, an
additional section 56 may be provided on screen 37 for entry of the film cartridge
ID 17.

[0029]

Referring to Figs. 3b 3c there is illustrated a confirmation screen 46
and verification screen 47 that is provided to the customer after receipt and
acceptance of the filled registration screen illustrated in Fig. 3a. Once the
registration screen 37 has been completed the customer need not do anything
further. This is because the kit 10 has already been pre-defined to provide a
predetermined goods and/or service upon reaching a predetermined criteria. As
previously discussed, in the embodiment illustrated, the kit 10 is designed to
provide a plurality of images on a CD. Thus, when an appropriate number of
image retaining devices 12 have been provided so as to obtain the required number
of images for filling the CD, the CD will automatically be provided to the
customer. Since the customer address has already been registered the completed
CD is simply shipped to the customer by any desired means, for example, by mail,
carrier, etc.. Alternatively, the CD, or other goods or services, may be provided
after a predetermined time period has elapsed. For example, the CD would be
returned to the customer with all images that have been received within a one year
time period. It is of course understood that the predetermined criteria may be
selected as desired by the network photoservice provider 34 or selected by the
customer at registration or at any other time prior to delivery of the requested
goods and/or services. The customer is not limited to the particular goods and/or
services that is associated with kit 10.

[0030]

Referring to Fig 3d, there is illustrated a goods/service order
confirmation display screen 39. If goods and/or service have already been
associated with the registration number 22, this will be seen on display screen 39.
This screen also allows the customer to ask for additional goods and/or services or
change the current order to provide different goods and/or services. As can be
seen a variety of goods and/or services may be requested by the customer, for
example, but not by way of limitation, ordering of album pages, providing the
image on a computer disc, forwarding images to the KODAK PhotoNet™ Online
service for forwarding images and/ or goods to third parties, such as friends,
relatives, business associates, create a site event where images from third parities
may be shared. There, of course may be an additional cost associated with order
changes made by the customer. As also illustrated on screen 37, there may be
provided a place for a credit card number against which these new or modified
goods and/or services may be charged thereby allowing the customer to be
automatically billed for the goods and/or services requested. In the particular
embodiment illustrated the cost of the kit 10 included the cost of providing the
fulfilled CD in which case the customer would be charged only for additional
goods and/or services requested.

[0031]

Once the customer has completed the registration process, the
customer may add additional image retaining devices 12 to the associated goods
and/or service by simply reconnecting, via the internet, to the network
photoservice provider 34 and providing additional film cartridge IDs 17 in the
appropriate section 56 as prompted by the computer screen 37. If the customer
desires, these additional film cartridges or other image retaining devices may be
ordered through the network photoservice provider 34. When such orders are
made, the ID for each of the additional devices can be automatically registered on
behalf of the customer. Thus, all the image retaining devices 12 that are to be
used for the providing of images on to CD are pre-registered prior to forwarding
on to a photofinisher for developing of the images on the image retaining device
12 and for providing any additional services as required by the kit 10. As
discussed later herein, the photofinisher 68 would contact the network
photoservice provider 34 and access the customer information data section 44 of
computer 40 to first determine if the film cartridge 14 has been registered and
what goods or services have been requested through registration. In this regard, it
may be possible that a special code be provided on the film cartridge 14 and/or
photoprocessing envelope 70 advising that a network photoservice has been
associated with the particular film cartridge 14. Otherwise, the photofinisher 68
can simply scan the film cartridge ID 17 number and determine whether or not a
network photoservice product or service has been registered by the customer.

[0032]

Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram showing a
modified network system 58 used in practicing the present invention. System 58
is similar to system 28 wherein like numerals indicate like parts and operation. As
previously discussed, the kit 10 provides a single image retaining device 12 that is
to be associated with the goods and/or service to be provided. A plurality of
different image retaining devices 12 may be associated with a single goods and/or
services in which case successive image retaining devices 12 must be associated
therewith. With regard to system 58, a customer would use the registration card
18 to associate additional image retaining devices 12. When purchasing a second
or subsequence image retaining device 12 as illustrated in Fig. 4, the film cartridge
14 may be scanned by scanner 62 at the retail establishment for obtaining the film
cartridge ID 17. Also, a second scanner 19 may be provided for scanning the
registration card 18 which will allow the customer to be automatically associated
with that roll of film and registering of the film with that customer. This
information would be forwarded by a retail computer 66 to an internet service
provider 32 which in turn would forward the information through the Internet 36
to the network service provider 34. The URL 20 address may be obtained from
the scanning of the registration card 18. Since there is already an existing file
associated with the registration number 22, the network photoservice provider 34
would automatically associate the film cartridge 14 with the service requested by
the customer. The customer would then capture the appropriate images on image
retaining device 12 and forward it to the appropriate photofinisher 68 in a typical
photoprocessing envelope 70 whereby appropriate prints of any images captured
on the image retaining device 12 may be returned to the customer as is typically
done. The photofinisher 68 will have appropriate equipment 73 for processing of
the image retaining device 12 and digitally scanning of the images, for example,
by scanner 74. The scanned digital information of the images (digital images) is
forwarded to photofinishing server 76 and to memory 77 for temporary storage.
Then the digital images are sent to a printer 78 for producing of hard copy prints
80 as ordered by the customer. The photofinisher 68 will have an appropriate
computer 82 for communicating with the server 76 which can communicate
through the internet 36 to network photoservice provider 34. As previously
discussed, appropriate information is provided for obtaining the film cartridge ID
17 which can be identified by the network photoservice provider 34. Thus, if the
customer presents an order that requires a particular service (i.e. such as providing
images taken on a plurality of films 16 over a course of time, as previously
discussed) the images will be sent via the Internet 36 to network photoservice
provider 34 for storage and for providing of appropriate products or services as
required upon reaching the predetermined criteria. In the particular embodiment
illustrated, the predetermined criteria is the providing of sufficient images to fill
the CD or upon expiration of the one year time period. Therefore, once the
network photoservice provider 34 obtains enough images for fulfilling of the
request of goods and/or services, a CD containing all the images will be
automatically produced and forwarded to the customer. The actual production of
the CD may be accomplished by any appropriate concern. In the particular
embodiment illustrated the network photoservice provider 34 sends the
appropriate information to a fulfillment center 86 which will produce the
appropriate CD as required. In the particular embodiment illustrated an image
storage device 24 in the form of a CD is provided to the customer at initial
purchase. The CD is provided with appropriate computer software, as previously
discussed. Also in the embodiment illustrated, the initial CD supplied with kit 10
was sent to the photofinisher 68 in the photoprocessing envelope 70. The supplied
CD can be forwarded on to the fulfillment center 86 once where the customer
order is fulfilled. It is not necessary that the CD initially supplied be the actual
CD used to fulfill the customer order or that the kit 10 be supplied with a CD for
providing the desired goods or service. If desired, the kit 10 may simply state that
a CD or other desired goods or service will provided upon proper registration.

[0033]

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the CD will typically hold
approximately 500 high resolution digital images obtained from 20 rolls of
photographic film, each containing approximately 24 images. Thus, when 20 rolls
have been processed, the images that have been stored at the network photoservice
provider 34, the appropriate customer order information and associated digital
images are forwarded on to the appropriate fulfillment center 86 for completion of
the customer order.

[0034]

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the predetermined criteria
for providing of the CD is based on a particular number of images being provided
by the customer. However, the present invention is not limited to such. For
example, if only five rolls of films are processed within a prescribed time period,
for example one year, upon reaching the prescribed time period a CD will be
produced with whatever images have been obtained for that time period and will
be forwarded automatically to the customer. It is, of course, understood that any
predetermined criteria may be used. The particular criteria may be modified by
the customer at the time of registration or at any time prior to producing of the
CD. The customer can, of course, order any further modification or additional
selections for goods and/or services which may or may not result in a charge to the
customer.

[0035]

In the invention illustrated in Fig. 1, only one image retaining
device 12 is provided in kit 10 for starting of the process. However, the present
invention is not so limited. Referring to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a block diagram
of a system 89 also made in accordance with the present invention. In this
embodiment a plurality of film cartridges 14a-14i are provided in a single package
88 as illustrated. Each of the film cartridges 14a-14i are scanned prior to being
filled in package 88 so as to obtain the cartridge ID 17 for each of the film
cartridges 14. This information is forwarded to a cartridge registration database
90, wherein the information regarding the cartridge ID 17 for each of the film
cartridges 14 placed in package 88 are identified and grouped as a set. The
cartridge registration database 90 is accessible through the Internet 36 or other
types of communication to the network photoservice provider 34 and to a personal
computer 30 of a customer. System 89 operates much in the same way as system
58 described with respect to Fig. 4 like numerals indicating like parts and
operation. In system 89, all of film retaining devices 12 within the package 88 can
be readily identified by identifying only one of the film cartridges 14 as this
information was originally captured as a group. Thus, when all of the film
cartridges 14 in package 88 have been sent to the photofinisher 68 for processing
and the captured images forwarded to the network photoservice provider 34, a CD
containing all of the captured images will be automatically provided by the
network photoservice provider 34. In this regard the network photoservice
provider 34 would send the stored digital images and customer order directions to
a fulfillment center (not shown) where the appropriate goods and/or services are
made and sent to the customer. The registration process works much in the same
way as previously discussed, however, instead of having the customer registering
all of the film cartridges 14 individually, the customer need only provide one ID.
Confirmation will be provided by the network photoservice provider 34 with
respect to the other film cartridges 14 that are associated therewith as being part of
the same group. The customer could then confirm that the actual film cartridges
14 contained in package 88 correspond to the confirmation notice provided by the
network photoservice provider 34 to the customer.

[0036]

While the entire group of film cartridges 14 will be considered a
single set, the customer could modify the grouping at registration, or at some later
time, by partitioning certain film cartridges 14 to a particular goods or service.
For example, but not by way of limitation, the customer could indicate that the
images obtained from film cartridges 14a, 14b and 14c are to be provided as a
single group and are to be delivered on a single CD whereas the images from film
cartridges 14d, 14e, 14f and 14g are provided on a second CD, and the images
obtained from film cartridges 14h and 14i are to be provided on a single computer
disk. It is of course to be understood that the customer may select any desired
goods and/or service to be associated with any particular grouping or individual
film cartridge 14.

[0037]

Referring to Fig. 6, it is illustrated a block diagram of modified
system 91 made in accordance with the present invention. The system 91 of Fig. 6
is very similar to system 89 of Fig. 5 except that the individual film cartridges 14
are not provided in a group packaging. The image retaining devices 12, in this
embodiment are individually sold and are grouped as selected by the customer.

[0038]

Referring to Fig. 7 there is illustrated a block diagram of yet
another modified system 93 made in accordance with the present invention. The
system 93 of Fig. 6 is similar to that of Fig. 4 except that an additional machine
readable package ID 92 is provided on the package 88 for identifying all of the
film cartridges 14 provided in the package 88. In this embodiment the cartridge
ID 17 is scanned when the film cartridges 14 are in package 88.. The scanned
information, the cartridge ID 17 for all of the film cartridges 14 and the package
ID 92, is sent on to the registration database 90 as previously discussed. Since
there is provided a package ID 92 this can immediately associate all of the
individual film cartridge ID 17 provided in package 88. Thus, when the customer
registers the film, he need only provide the package ID 92 during registration
wherein confirmation of all the individual film cartridges 14 will then again be
provided to the customer confirming the actual cartridge IDs 17 of the film
cartridges 14 provided to the customer. An advantage of system 93 is that the
scanning and grouping of the individual film cartridges 14 may be provided at film
packaging or at the retail establishment where the package 88 of film cartridges 14
are actually sold. Thus, the initial package 88 may not be part of an initial
program by the film manufacturer or film packager but is entered into by the
retailer. The remaining operation of system 93 would operate in the same manner
as system 58 previously discussed.

[0039]

Referring to Fig. 8 there is illustrated a block diagram in yet of
another modified system 95 made in accordance to the present invention. Like
numerals indicating like parts and operation previously discussed. In this
embodiment, a film ID 94 is provided on film 16. This information would be
provided by the film manufacturer and sent to film registration database 96 which
in turn would be sent to a package registration database 98 at a network
photoservice provider 34. A card 96 could also be provided in the package 88
identifying the film ID 94 for of all the film cartridges 14 placed within package
88. This would allow the retailer to scan the card 96 and forward the information
on to the network photoservice provider 34. Package ID 99 would be scanned and
provided to the package registration database 98. This system would be useful
when the film cartridge 14 does not have a registration number printed on the
cartridge, such as with 35 mm film. It is known in the film manufacturing art to
write a latent image barcode onto the filmstrip of a 35 mm roll of film during the
manufacturing process. Such a barcode can encode the numbers subsequently used
to register the film cartridges 14. When submitted for processing, the developed
film 16 can be read by scanner 74 and cross checked against film registration
database 96 to determine the appropriate goods and/or services selected. When the
customer receives the package 88, he would register the film cartridges 14 by
entering the numbers set forth on the card 96 that is provided in the package 88.
Then registration service would be provided in much the same manner as
previously discussed. While in the particular embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8, the
registration is accomplished by the customer at a personal computer 30, this can
be done alternatively by a retail establishment wherein the card 96 is provided
within package 88 with a peel off label 97 such as illustrated in Figs. 9a-9b. In the
particular embodiment illustrated, a conventional laser is used to write the
registration number 22 on the card 18 through the peel off label 97. The laser will
not damage the peel off label 97, but will write on the card 96 as the material of
card 96 absorbs the energy of the laser to form human readable text using a well
known technique. Once the peel off label 97 has been removed, for example, by
the retailer and/or customer, this information could be entered by the retailer into
the system and the card 96 be given or used by the customer for use in identifying
the film cartridges 14 that has been entered into the systems. The particular goods
and/or services can be entered at the time of registration by the retailer or if
desired, on a photoprocessing envelope 70 that is provided with the order at the
time of the processing film. Additionally there may be provided on package 88 as
shown in Fig. 1 la having peel off stickers 87 having the unique ID written in a
machine readable form for each film cartridge 14. The back side of the stickers 87
have an adhesive surface for adhering the sticker to the associated film cartridge
14 or photoprocessing envelope 70 used to order processing of the film. Thus, the
sticker 87 can be placed on the film cartridge 14 so the photofinisher 68 can
automatically read the cartridge ID 17 and determine if it associated with a
registered film cartridge 14 and the providing of a particular goods and/or service
at the network photoservice provider 34 as previously discussed. Fig.11b
illustrates how the film cartridge 14 is mounted to package 88. In particular a pair
of tabs 101 which can be easily torn to allow easy removal of film cartridge 14.
As can be seen the cartridge ID 17 is placed adjacent the film cartridge 14
containing the strip of film 16 having the associated cartridge ID 17.

[0040]

Upon registration with a network photoservice provider 34, a
customer account is established. Once a customer account is, it is possible to order
film directly whereby the film or other products can be automatically sent to the
customer and automatically registered for a particular goods and/or services
selected by the customer. Thus, for example, the customer need not do anything
else other than ordering a film cartridge 14. Referring to Fig. 10, there is
illustrated a form by which the film cartridge 14 could be ordered over the Internet
36 and wherein the customer would provide an account number associated with
that particular customer. As can be seen, the particular film type and quantity
desired may be provided. There also could be provided selections for
automatically registering of this film cartridge 14 with the particular goods and/or
services as previously discussed.

[0041]

In the embodiments previously discussed, registration occurs by
use of a personal computer 30 or similar type device. However, the present
invention is not so limited. For example, registration by a customer may be
accomplished by phone. All that need be provided is a phone number which may
be provided on the package for goods and/or services whereby the customer can
call and register a particular image retaining device 12. Referring to Fig 10, there
is illustrated a block diagram of the process by which phone registration may be
accomplished. First, the customer at box 110 calls a registration service. The
registration service at box 112 would then retrieve the name and address using
caller ID as is typically available today on many phone systems. If the caller ID is
blocked out, a voice message would be provided to the customer to enter their
account number if they have one using the phone touch pad. If the customer does
not have registration number, a registration number will be assigned to the
customer. Based on the previous registration, or from the caller ID, information
will be provided to the customer to confirm that the name and address is correct at
step 114. However, if the name and/or address is incorrect in either steps 114 and
115, the registration process will go to a step 116 where the correct information
can be entered by the customer. This can be done by an operator or by punching
in the appropriate information on the phone touch pad. Once having established
the correct name and address at step 118 the customer would enter the cartridge ID
17 or package ID 92 as appropriately, by using the phone touch pad. Once
registration by phone is complete, the collected information is transmitted to the
network photoservice provider 34 at step 120. At any time during the operation
should assistance be required, appropriate instructions will be provided so that the
customer can talk to a live individual for assistance.

[0042]

In the above description the image retaining device 12 is shown as
a film cartridge 14, however the image may be provided in a variety of other
formats, for example, from a digital camera, computer disc, flash card, and any
other media capable of providing images which are in digital format or can be
converted into a digital format.

[0043]

The network photoservice provider 34 is illustrated as a separate
facility, however the present is not so limited. The network photoservice provider
may be a part of the photofinisher 68 and/or fulfillment center 86. Likewise the
fulfillment center 86 may be part of the photofinisher 68 and/or network
photoservice provider 34. It is important only that the functions provided by these
providers be maintained.

[0044]

In the detailed description, an ID is provided on the image retaining
device or registration card. It is also possible to provide an ID on the image
storage device 24, such as a CD. The manufacturer of the CD can register the ID
with network photoservice provider 34. In one embodiment, the ID would be
provided in the software on the CD that is used for communicating with the
network photoservice provider 34. Thus, when the customer goes to the
photonetwork service provider, the ID on the CD can be used to automatically
register the customer and image retaining devices associated with the CD would
also be automatically registered. When a package containing a plurality of image
retaining device, such as film cartridges, are sold with a CD 24, the customer need
only provide his or her name and address for registration. The customer may of
course modify or change and goods and/or services that are to be provided.

Claims (14)

A method for organizing a plurality of images obtained
from a defined source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing digital images;

providing at least one image to said database; and

automatically providing a product with respect to said at
least one image after reaching a predetermined criteria.

A method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined
criteria is a predetermined time period.

A method according to claim 1 wherein said criteria is a
predetermined number of images.

A system for organizing a plurality of images obtained from
at least one image retaining device each having a unique ID, comprising:
a computer having a database for storing digital images and
a management section for managing customer orders and said stored digital
images, said management section capable of receiving and storing said unique ID
and registering said at least one image retaining device to a customer, said
computer associating a particular goods and/or services to images obtained from
said at least one image retaining device.

A system according to claim 4 wherein said computer
forwards said stored digital images of said customer to a fulfillment center for
providing of said particular goods and/or services upon reaching of a
predetermined criteria.

A system according to claim 4 wherein said predetermined
criteria comprises receiving images from a predetermined number of said at least
one image retaining device.

A method for organizing a plurality of images obtained
from an image source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing of digital images;

providing a plurality of discrete image retaining devices in a
package, each image retaining device having a unique ID;

forwarding said unique ID of said plurality of image retaining
devices to a database at a network photoservice provider for storage;

allowing access to said database to a customer so as to allow
registration of said plurality of image retaining devices to said customer.

A method according to claim 7 wherein registration of one
of said retaining devices automatically registers the remaining image retaining
devices in said package.

A method according to claim 7 further comprising the steps
of:
partitioning said plurality of image retaining devices into at least
two sub-groups, each sub-group having associated therewith a particular goods or
service to be provided with respect to images obtained by said image retaining
devices in said sub-group.

A method for organizing a plurality of images obtained
from an image source, comprising the steps of:

providing a database for storing of digital images;

providing a plurality of discrete image retaining devices in a
package, each image retaining device having an unique ID, said package having a
unique package ID;

forwarding said unique ID of said plurality of image retaining
devices and said package ID to a database at a network photoservice provider for
storage;

allowing access to said database to a customer so as to allow
registration of said package ID so that said plurality of image retaining devices are
automatically registered to said customer.

A method according to claim 10 wherein at least one
particular goods and/or services is associated with images obtained said plurality
of image retaining devices provided in said package, further comprising the step
of:
automatically providing said goods and/or services upon reaching a
predetermined criteria.

A method for organizing a plurality of images obtained
from a plurality strips of photographic film, each of said plurality of strips of film
being provided in a discrete film cartridge, each of said plurality of strips
photographic film having an unique ID recorded thereon, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of said film cartridges in a single package,
said package having an unique package ID;

forwarding said unique ID for said plurality of strips of
photographic film and package ID to a database at network photoservice provider
for storage; and

allowing access to said database to a customer so as to allow
registration of said package ID so that said plurality of strips of photographic film
are automatically registered to said customer.

A method according to claim 12 wherein said package
includes label that can be placed on said cartridge that can be used to identify said
unique ID of said strip of film contained in said film cartridge.

A method for organizing images obtained from at least one
image retaining devices, comprising the steps of:

providing at least one image retaining devices having a unique ID;

obtaining the ID from each of said at least one image retaining
device; and

forwarding the ID for said at least one image retaining device to a
network photoservice provider for storage.

EP200002044091999-12-222000-12-11Method and system for organizing images
WithdrawnEP1133143A3
(en)